Starbucks launches public welfare project in China

U.S. coffee giant Starbucks on Saturday launched its largest single public welfare project in China with the opening of a rural community project in the southwest Chinese city of Pu'er, a renowned center for Chinese tea culture and an emerging coffee cultivation area.

The Beautiful Rural Community project includes a 1,700-square-meter coffee culture experience center in Pu'er, Yunnan Province, and focuses on rural revitalization through coffee-themed initiatives.

With a total investment of over 17 million yuan (about 2.34 million U.S. dollars), the project supports 10 coffee-growing villages through improving local environment and upgrading rural industries.

Coffee farmer Wang Jianwei said the project will help beautify the villages and provide new learning opportunities for local people.

"Starbucks has a deep connection with Yunnan coffee. Our mission is to help local farmers grow quality coffee, improve their lives and build strong communities," said Zhu Lei, vice president of government affairs and social impact of Starbucks China, adding that the project aims to develop coffee tourism, promote premium coffee development and boost farmers' incomes.

(Source: Xinhua)